Legal Definitions - Federal Register

The Federal Register is a daily publication of the U.S. federal government that officially notifies the public about changes to federal law. It includes presidential executive orders, proposed and final administrative rules, and agency notices, with many documents requiring publication to become legally effective.

The Federal Register is the official daily publication of the United States federal government. It serves as the primary way the government informs the public about its actions, proposed changes, and final decisions that affect federal law and policy. This includes a wide range of documents such as presidential executive orders, proposed new rules from government agencies, final rules that have been adopted, and various public notices from federal departments. For these documents to become legally effective, they must first be published in the Federal Register, ensuring transparency and providing an opportunity for public awareness and, in some cases, public comment.

• Example 1: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Rule

  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering a new regulation to limit the discharge of a specific pollutant into waterways. Before this rule can become law, the EPA must publish its proposed regulation in the Federal Register.

  This publication serves as an official notice to the public, businesses, and environmental groups, inviting them to submit comments and feedback on the proposed rule. It demonstrates how the Federal Register acts as a platform for transparency and public participation in the rulemaking process, fulfilling its role in announcing "proposed administrative rules."

• Example 2: Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Labeling Change

  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has finalized new requirements for how certain allergens must be listed on food product labels. To make these new labeling standards legally binding for food manufacturers across the country, the FDA publishes the final rule in the Federal Register.

  By publishing the final rule, the Federal Register officially notifies all affected parties—from food producers to consumers—that the new requirements are now in effect. This illustrates its function in announcing "enacted administrative rules" that have a direct impact on industry practices and public safety.

• Example 3: Presidential Executive Order

  The President issues an executive order directing federal agencies to prioritize the development of renewable energy technologies. For this order to become an official directive that federal agencies must follow, it must be published in the Federal Register.

  This example highlights the Federal Register's role in formally documenting and publicizing "presidential executive orders." Its publication ensures that the President's directives are officially recorded, made accessible to the public, and become legally effective for the federal government.